Tech rage an office problem: survey

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For one in three office workers, tech rage has become a trigger
for everyday workplace "tanties", a survey claims.

A survey of 400 office workers in Sydney and Adelaide, who were
asked to consider the effects of modern technology on their life,
found modern technology is an increasing cause of major stress.

While indicating that, generally, modern technology had made
many office and life tasks simpler, there was increasing evidence
that technology was adding to workplace pressure, the survey
found.

The South Australian-based marketing research company Square
Holes, which conducted the survey, found the broad appeal of new
technology and its accessibility meant people felt compelled to be
more efficient.

"They want to be technologically savvy and always available to
clients, family and friends," Square Holes general manager Jason
Dunstone said.

"This has its downsides and tech rage is now a common
occurrence, particularly in the office."

The survey found computer crashes, spam, mobile phones and other
communication devices among the major sources of tech rage.

More than 35 per cent of the workers interviewed reported
receiving spam in the week before the survey, at an average of 36
per person.

The workers reported an average of nine computer crashes per
week, with Sydney workplaces receiving almost double the number of
crashes per week of Adelaide workplaces.

"It was not just the office where technology was adding to
stress levels," Dunstone said.

"Many people reported feeling trapped and their privacy invaded
outside work hours by the heavy reliance on mobile phones and other
communication devices," he said.

However, despite the advent of tech rage, the survey showed most
people were receptive to the benefits of modern technology.

Of the survey's participants, almost all said technology had
made their lives better in some way.

Forty-one per cent said this was a result of more efficient and
regular communication and 23 per cent said they enjoyed the quicker
and easier access to information.

The survey found there was also widespread usage and
appreciation of technology in making bill payment and banking
easier.

Internet shopping had also made the lives of some better, but
privacy and security concerns still remain significant.

Use of technology in the week prior to the survey showed that 78
per cent of respondents had used a mobile phone, 66 per cent had
used a DVD player, email was accessed by 60 per cent and 58 per
cent had used the internet.

People were increasingly using MP3 players, the internet,
digital cameras, email and pocket PCs, the survey found.

Use of the new technology had improved the efficiency of home
and office life, Dunstone said, "but it has come at a cost by
raising stress levels and invading our privacy".